How to choose the right bottle?

Every bottle of wine carries a tradition and contains history, whether it is the neck of the bottle, the lower or upper part of the shoulder, or the straight or curved lines of the body. In addition, the weight, color and clarity (transparency) reveal its secrets. Touching it foreshadows the pleasure inside. Therefore, choosing a wine bottle is a process that requires consideration of details that determine the perfect bottle

Cultural heritage
This tradition, mostly unwritten, has a significant cultural impact and can determine the choice of a bottle. It is well known that in some regions, based on these cultural preferences, wine is identified by the bottle. It represents all the wines of the region, making it easy to identify. In parts of France, Italy and other countries, some winemakers have adopted a bottle that is used exclusively to highlight the history and belonging of the region – for example, Tokaj wine in Hungary refers to the national anthem.
Shape
True connoisseurs attach great importance to the shape of the bottle, which defines its personality both visually and technically. The unique element plays an important role in the production and bottling process. The most famous of these are Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace (Rhine).
Bordeaux bottle – Characterized by a high shoulder from the neck of the bottle, to retain any sediment that may form inside the bottle. This bottle is mainly used for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat wines.

Burgundy bottle – is a bottle shape dating back to the 19th century, with simple and elegant lines due to the sloping shoulders, reminiscent of a wedding dress. Burgundy bottles are usually pale yellow in color, and we see them most often for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The light color helps customers to easily identify the wine. Bordeaux and Burgundy bottles are well known for French wines and are bestsellers.

Alsace/Rhine – The bottle is narrow and usually closed with a screw cap. It is generally used for Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Traminer.

Champagne bottle – is strong, thick, heavy, and pressure-resistant, and is used for Champagne and other sparkling wines. One of the most famous types of bottles, the Champagne bottle can be covered with a crown cap during fermentation, which can be removed for the final capping after fermentation is over. The green color of the champagne bottle protects the contents from UV rays and makes it easy to identify.

Atypical wine bottle – has a unique design, intended to showcase the wine (brand). Used for wines from multiple origins or without a protected designation of origin – such as Busuioaca de Bohotin or Rara Neagra, special editions or wines with specific marketing objectives. Design is a major factor in positioning a brand on the market.

Weight
In general, customers judge the quality of a wine by the weight of the bottle, so the heavier the bottle, the higher the quality of the wine (a fine, full-bodied wine aged in barrels with aging potential). For collectible wines, a lighter bottle (e.g. 360 grams) is not chosen, both from a visual and preservation point of view. However, in recent years, manufacturers have managed to reduce the weight of the bottle while maintaining its signature features (shoulder, diameter and depth).

Color of the wine
Generally, the choice of bottle is determined by aesthetics or the winemaker’s purpose. Wines like Côtes de Provence rosés are lighter in color and look better in very clear, light-colored glasses. Tokaj, for example, chooses clear glass to highlight specific golden colors, such as honey. However, since the color of wine changes over time, it is recommended to use bottles with opaque colors. The darker the colors, the more UV rays they filter, so the wine will last longer.

Bottle closure
The closure can be screw cap or cork. This detail is strongly influenced by the market where the wine is launched, as it is highly dependent on consumer preference. In New Zealand or Australia, screw cap bottles are more practical, while more traditional markets such as France or Italy use cork closures, which some consumers associate with inferior wines.

With the right combination of the above factors, we get the perfect bottle that conveys the essence of the wine to the consumer from the first sight to the first touch. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us – info@vitglassbottle.com